Valve mechanism



Nw; 33, E945 E. J. s/ENSON VALVE MECHANISM Original Filed March 50, 1936 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 13, 1945 E. e1. svENsoN VALVE MECHANISM 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed March 30, 1936 INVOR. falli/www0 WNW BYL j?? WNW 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 .llllllnllilll x l I.

E. J. svENsQN VALVE'MECHANISM Original Filed March 30, 1936 f www.

@my |l L WHC Nwe i3, w45., E. J, svENsoN VALVE MEC-HANISM Original Filed March 30, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Nw., E3, W45. E. J. svENsoN VALVE MEGHANISM Original Filed March 50, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 SG a @NE Patented Nov. 13,l 1945 vALvE MECHANISM Ernest J. Svenson, Rockford, Ill., assig'nor, by

mesne assignments', to Odin Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation oflllinois Original application March 30, 1936, Serial No. 71,754, now Patent No. 2,266,829, dated December 23, 1941. Divided and this application January 22, 1941, Serial No. 375.501

21 Claims.

This invention relates to control mechanisms, and more particularly'to control valves or the like adapted forme control of hydraulic circuits' and hydraulic structures.

It is an object of the invention to provide a control valve structure of improved construction and improved operating characteristics.

More specifically stated, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a control valve structure incorporating hydraulic control elements and electric control elements cooperable in a novel and improved manner, the hydraulic control elements controlling the functions ofthe control elements inturn Icontrolling the functions of the hydraulic controls. Y

` electrical control elements, and the electrical v A further object' of the invention is to provide a control valve structure, operable mechanically, hydraulically and electrically, for controlling the various functions of aghydraulic circuit, and machine parts operated thereby, including the functions of rapid and feeding movements in both forward and reverse directions, as may be required. y

Another object of the invention is to Provide a valve structure having hydraulically and electrically operable control'elements arranged for cooperation inaccurate and predetermined timed sequence whereby to eect accurate and reliable control functions.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a control valve structure including a plurality of valve members, each controlling the operation of the other. f

Various other objects, advantages, andv features of the invention will be apparent from the following specification when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein certain preferred embodiments of tire invention are set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a partial, elevational view of a ma- I chine tool including a valve structure constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention:

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic circuit for the machine of Fig. 1, and including' Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of the valve taken substantially along the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a vertical, sectional view of the valvev mechanism taken substantially along the line .6--6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, transverse, sectional view taken substantially alongthe line l-Tof Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view (shown partly in section) of the coritactor mechanism mounted within the control `valve housing;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary,l elevational view of the valve structure and juxtaposed parts in association with its operating dogs;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, plan view of the control dog structures;

Fig. 11 is a detailed, elevational view of a twodirection magnetic actuator associated with the valve, and shown in Fig. 9;

f Fig. 12 is a fragmentary, transverse, sectional view taken along the line |2--I2 of Fig. 1l;

Fig. 13 is a centr'al, longitudinal, sectional view of a modified magnetic actuator;

Fig. 14 is an elevational view of a machine tool, including a plurality of head frame structures as shown in Fig. 1, and each including valve 1- mechanism constructed in accordance with the illustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 isv a transverse, sectional'view taken substantially along the line I1-l1 of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 discloses an electric circuit diagram of I the machine including the circuits in association with the control valves of the invention;

Fig. 19 is a central, vertical, sectional view of a modified control valve 1 mechanism designed to Vcontrol the feeding of a machine part or the like in opposite directions, said view being taken substantially along the line lil-I9 of Fig. 20;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged, transverse, sectional view of the modified control valve mechanism taken substantially along the line 20-20 of Fig.

Fig. 21 -is a horizontal, sectional view 0f the modified valve mechanism taken substantially along the line 2I-2I of Fig. 1 9.

This application is Aa division of my copending application, Serial No. 71,754, filed March 30.

1936, and entitled Metal working apparatus, now

2 l aecomo issued as Patent No. 2,266,829, dated December 23, 1941. The present application is directed more 'particularly to the control valve structure and Y to be understood that the control valve structure may be adapted for various uses generally, including the control of machine tools,.within the scope o i. the invention defined.

IReferring more particularly to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1, 2 and 14` thereof, Fig. 14 discloses a machine tool structure including a plurality' of head frame units 40a, 46h and 4Ic, one

of which is illustrated more in detail in Figs. 1

and 2, and designated by the numeral 40. The head 40, Fig. 1, is slidably mounted on the main machine base or frame 42 by means of ways 43, and is adapted to carry a, plurality of rotatable tool spindles A fluid motor indicated generally by the reference numeral ||4, Figs. 1 and 2, and comprising a piston ||3 and piston rod |20 secured to the main base 42 and a cylinder ||6 carried by the head frame unit 4l is provided for propelling the head frame along the ways 43. Pumping means comprising a rapid traverse pump |34 and a feed pump |36, Fig. 2, are provided in cooperation with control valve means 233, which valve means more particularly constitutes the subject matter of the present invention, for sup.- plying and controlling the delivery of fluid to the hydraulic motor ||4.

Each head frame 40 carries a suitable prime mover such as an electric motor 60, Fig. 1, whichdrives the tool spindles 2 and the pumps. "To this end the electric motor 50 carries a pulley 64 adapted, by means of belts 66, to drive a pulley 62 carried by a main drive shaft 54. This drive shaft drives the spindles Il! by suitable driving connections, and is also provided with a gear 98 adapted to drive a shaft |40 which in suitable manner is connected to and propels the rapid traverse pump |34 and the feed pump |36, pre1'- erably one pump being mounted at either end of the shaft and operated thereby.

tion differs materially from my .other valve structures in providing a single control arrangement for the hydraulic and electrical structures of each head frame. It has heretofore been the practice in using control valves to limit said valves to the control of hydraulic circuits and to employ other control means for the electrical circuits. My invention contemplates a valve ar- The rapid traverse pump |34 is preferably a gear pump and may, for example, be of the design disclosed in my Patents Nos. 1,912,737 and 1,912,738. The feed pump |36 is preferably an adjustable, variable displacement plunger pump. The details of'construction of the feed pump, and the particular manner in which the pumps are driven and connected with the fluid supply reservoir and the like are specifically set forth in my aforementioned application, Serial No; 71,754 of which this application is a.Y division, and it is not believed necessary to her'ein particularly set forth these details of construction. However, the fluid circuits as associated with the valve structure 208, are diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 2 and will be later described.

Valve ystructure Referring to the control valve structure 203, Figs. 1, 2 and 3-8, one control valve being provided for and carried by each head structure, this ,valve structure is somewhat similar to the corrangement whereby the shifting of a single control handle serves to governboth the hydraulic and electrical circuits. To accomplish this I have incorporated directly within the valve-housing an electrical'contactor, about to be described, which functions in response to the shifting of the main control valve.

Each control valve 263 comprises two shiftable valve members o r valve pistons 2|! and 2|4', Fig. 6, which cooperate in variously direecting Vfluid to the actuator I I4 from the rapid traverse pump |34 and the feed pump |36 as may be best understood by reference to Fig. 2. The valve piston 2|! controls the fluid from the rapid traverse pump, and the valve piston 2|4 controls the fluid from the feed pump. Valve piston 2|! is shifted by means of an operating shaft 262, Fig. 4, operated by control mechanism later to be described. The valve piston !I4 is shifted hydraulically by means oi' and in accordance with the movements of the valve piston The valve piston 2|! has essentially four operating positions, neutral, feeding, rapid approach or rapid traverse in the approach direction, and rapid reverse or rapid traverse in the reverse direction. The valve piston 2|4 has two positions of operation, neutral or circulating position, and feed position. When the valve 2|! is in neutral position, the port 236 thereof is alined with a passageway or port 282. When the valve is in feeding position, port 234 is alined with passageway or port 218. When the valve is in rapid approach position, the port 234 is alined with the valve port 230, and when the valve is in rapid reverse position, the port 236 thereof is alined with port 226. The function of these several ports will be later described. The feed pump valve 2I4 is shown in its feed position in Fig. 6 wherein the port 262 is blocked by the valve head 2|5. When the valve is shifted to the right it is in its neutral or circulating position and in this position the port 266 is closed by the valve head 2|1.

Referring further to Fig. 6, it will be seen that a port 2|6 communicating with the valve piston 2l! receives fluid from the rapid traverse pump |34, by means of a conduit 366, Fig. 2, and when the valve piston is in its neutral or feeding positions, this fluid is allowed to circulate through the port 2|8 and a restricted orifice 'arrangement 220 into the exhaust valve chambers 222 and 224 which discharge into a suitable fluid reservoir carried by the head frame 40. Accordingly with the valve in neutral or feeding position, fluid from the rapid traverse pump is inoperative t'o shift the actuator l I4.

As will be best understood by reference to Fig. 7, the valve ports 234 and 236 are in constant communication with the inlet port 2|6 by means of flats or channels 24! and 244 formed on the will to the actuator H4 to effect the shifting thereof. Fluid is returned from the other end of the actuator through a channel or conduit 228 which is V v connected t the port 226, the port 226 being free to communicate with the exhaust chamber 224 in this position of the valve, inasmuch as the end of the valve has been moved to the right of the port 226 as s'een in Fig. 6.

To effect rapid reverse, or rapid traverse of the actuator in the opposite direction, the `valve 2I2 is shifted, as previously stated, to aline the port 236 thereof with the'port 226 in the valve housing 254. In this position of the parts fluid is directed by the valve 2I2 from the rapid traverse pump through ports 236 and 226 and conduit 228 to one endof the actuator II4. I'he return fluid from the actuator is transmitted through conduit 232 into port 238, andthen into the exhaust valve chamber 222, the port 238 being in free communication with chamber 222 when the valve has been shifted to the left as seen in Fig. 6, to aline the ports 236 and 226. End caps 238 and 240 serve as retainers or closures for the exhaust chambers 222 and 224 and also as stops for the valve member 2I2 in its movement in both directions.

The valve structure is so arranged that substantially no fluid pressure exists within the chambers 222 and 224, inasmuch as these champrovided, said nozzle being threaded into the valve member 2I2 as indicated at 248. The nozzle 246 is provided with a passageway 258, Figs. 6 and '7. When the nozzle is in the position shown, the passageway 258 is relatively unrestricted. By rotating the nozzle 246, the passageway 258 may be moved toward a horizontalposition whereby to i restrict it any desired amount. 1

As previously stated, the jv'alve'member l2I2 is shifted either'manually or automatically by the shaft 252, Fig. 4. This shaft is rotatably mounted within the valve housing 254, suitable packing 256 being provided to preclude leakage. A lever 258 connects the shaft 252 with the valve member or piston 2 I2 through the agency of a pin 268 so that the rotation of the shaft 252 in one direction or the other, by means later to be described, causes movement ofthe valve piston 2I2.

Referring now to the valve piston 2I4 which serves to control fluid from the high pressure or feed pump |36, it will be seen that a pair of ports 262 and 266 in alinement with ports 230 and 226 respectively are provided. Port 262 communicates with port 238 and its associated and connected conduit 232 by means of a channel 264, and port 266 communicates with the port 226 and its connected conduit 228 by means .of a channel 266. As best seen in Fig. 2, the conduit 232 is connected to the exhaust conduit 388 leading from the feed pump, and an inlet or return conduit 390 leads the inlet side of the conduit 388 and the lower end 232a, Fig. 2, of the conduit 232 to the actuator II4. Fluid is prevented from passing upwardly through conduit 232 into the valve 208 due to the fact that the head member 2I5 on the valve 2I4 at this time blocks the port 262, and the port 230 is also blocked by the valve 2I2, the valve 2I2 being at this itme in its feeding position. An approach feeding movement of the actuator is thus effected. Fluid is returned from the actuator through the conduit 228, port 266 which is at this time open and the return line 398 back to the pump, the port 266 and the return line 398 being at this time in communication as seen' in Fig. 6.

When the valve member 2| 4 is shifted to the right as seen in Fig. 6 to its neutral or circulating position, the piston head 2 I 5 shifts to the right opening port 262, and piston head 2I1 shifts to the right closing port 266. Under these conditions uid circulates from the feed pump through conduit 388, the upper portion of conduitl 232, port 262 and return line 398 back to said pump, the port 262 and the line 398 at this time being in communication. With the valve 2 I4 in neutral position therefore the fluid from the feed pump is merely-circulated idlyin a closed circuit. It is to A cally by directing fluid pressureeither to one end or the other of the valve piston 2| 4, by means'now to be described.' To more clearly illustrate this arrangement, I have shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6, see also Fig. 3, a longitudinal channel 218 at the right of the valve casing 254, and the corresponding channel 212 at the left of said valve casing. Cross channels 214 and 216 connect with said longitudinal channel 21.8 and the bore of the casing Within which the valve 2I4 is movable, and

, additional cross channels 218 and 288 connect the longitudinal channel 218 with the bore of the casing in which the valve 2I2 is movable. In a similar-manner cross channels 282 and 284 connect the longitudinal channel 212 with the casing bore Ifor the Valve 2 I 2, and the cross channel 285 serves to connect the channel 212 with the left extremity "shifting of the same to the left-into its feeding position.` lUpon the shifting of the valve, uid at the opposite or left cend thereof is returned through channels 285, 21'2v and 284 into the exhaust chamber 224, the channel 284 being at this time in free communication with said chamber. Similarly when the valve piston 2I2 is shifted to its rapid approach position, alining port 234 with port 238, fluid pressure is also transmitted to the channel 218, due to the flats or channels 242 and 244, Fig. '1, previously referred to. It will thus be seen that the valve 2 I4 is shifted to its feed position when the valve 2| 2 is shifted either to its feed or rapid approach'positions.

When the valve member 2I2 is shifted to its neutral position, to aline the port 236 with the channel 282, fluid is directed through channels '294 of the electrical actuator 206.

232, 212 and 285 to the left end of valve piston 214, causing the shifting of the same to its right or neutral circulating position. During the shifting ofthe valve 214, fluid passes from the chamber at the right end thereof through the channels 214 and 216, as will be later described, channel 210, and channel 280 which is at this time in free communication with the exhaust chamber 222. Similarly upon the shifting of the valve 2 I 2 to its rapid reverse position, wherein port 231i is alined with port 226, due to the ports 242 and 244, Fig. 7, fluid will similarly be directed through the channels as described to move the valve 214 to the right. Accordingly it will be seen that the valve 2 I4 is shifted to its neutral position when the valve 212 is shifted to its neutral or rapid reverse positions.

' An electrical contactor 286 is secured to the valve housing 254 by means of a threaded coupling 288 and suitable ,gaskets at 290 and 292. A plunger 294 is reciprocably mounted within the contactor body 296 and abuts against a sealing diaphragm 298, which is normally urged to the left, Figs. 6 and 8, by a spring .3100. When the valve piston 214 engages the plunger 294 as it is shifted to the right, the latter is urged outwardly against the spring 300, causing a contact 302, Fig. 8, to close a connection between a contact 304 and another contact 306, thereby electrically connecting a wire terminal 308 in a circuit with a companion wire terminal 310. The closing of this circuit forms part of the control means for shifting Valve 212, and more specifically causes the shifting thereof to its rapid reverse position, as will be later described.

By loosening screw 312, the wire terminals 308 and 310 may be rotated about the axis of the plunger 294 to any desired position. To prevent fluid pressure from acting upon the diaphragm 298, a channel 314 in the valve body 254 leading to chamber 222 is employed. Further, aspring 310 serve.. to resiliently retain contact 302 in proper contact with the contact members 304 and 306.

In many instances it is desirable to have a slight dwell of an actuated member such as the head frame 40 before reversal thereof takes place. This is accomplished by restricting the channel 214, as shown in Fig. 5, whereby to -delay the shifting of valve 214 to the right to close contacts 304 and 306 and move valve 212 to its rapid reverse position. A needle valve 318 is adjustably positioned to increase or decrease the speed of uid passing through the cross channel 214. Therefore, when the valve piston 214 is actuated to the right, it experiences rapid movement until a forward portion 320 of said piston blocks the unrestricted cross channel 216. This causes the speed of travel of the piston to be materially reduced as restricted channel 214 becomes the only channel of fluid escape until a groove 322 connects with the cross channel 216, which through two longitudinal channels 324 again P81'- mits fluid to pass through unrestricted channel 216. This enables a sudden snap action to take place as the valve member 214 shifts the piston In other words, it causes a snap action to be experienced by the contact 302 when it makes contact with the contact members 304 and 300;

Likewise, when the valve piston 214 is shifted in' the opposite direction, the restriction through the cross channel 214 provides a dash pot action,

might otherwise take place between the valve member 214 and an end cap 321i.v

As previously brought out, the fluid to and from the `feed pump 136 circulates in a closed circuit, both when the pump is operatively propelling the actuator 114 at feeding speed and when the pump is merely circulating idly due to the neutral positioning of the valve 114. However, due to the presence of piston rod 120 on one side of the actuator piston 118 and the absence "of the piston rod on the other side thereof, or

due to other features, a difference may exist in the volumetric requirements on the inlet and outlet sides of the actuator during its feeding movement. These differences, and leakage -which might occur, are compensated for by an orifice 32B, Fig. 6, which leads from the port 236 into the bore of the' valve casing within which the valve 214 is movable. This orifice which thus leads from the exhaust side of the rapid traverse pump into the closed circuit for the feed pump, automatically functions to maintain proper pressure conditions within the inlet side of the feed pump.

From the above description it will be apparent v that the valve mechanism 208 is capable of directing one source of fluid to the actuator in one direction or another, and another source of fluid to the actuator at least in one direction; further, that the fluid ilow from one of the pumps is controlled in response to the fluid flow from the other pump, and that an electrical contactor is incorporated in the valve structure and is adapted to make a snap contact in response to fluid power from one of the pumps. It will also be apparent that said valve structure incorporates a dwell arrangement whereby both pumps may circulate at no pressure, thereby stopping the actuator at a predetermined time before contact is established by the electrical contactor. The function of the contactor 28B will be more apparent when the electrical and remote control arrangement is described.

Valve control As previously stated, and referring to Fig, 14, three machine tool units 40a, 40h and 40e are provided, each having and .carrying its own pumps, actuator and control valve mechanisms. These units must be shifted toward and away from a work supporting fixture or the like 392,

as indicated by dot and dash lines in Fig. 14, in proper timed relation. This is accomplished by the action of the control valves and their associated controlling devices now to be described,

It is to be noted that the electrical contactor v288 for each control valve is secured to the valve ate an electrical contactor 390, Figs. 9, 10, 18l

and l?, said control dog 390 being provided with specially shaped contact faces 400 adapted to engage a roller 402. The engagement of roller 402 shifts various contacts housed within the contactor in a manner presently to be described.

An upper control cam 404 and a lower control cam 400 secured to the shaft 252, see Fig. 3, serve to shift the valve piston 212 in one direction or the other when engaged by control dogs and thusv eliminates hammering action which 408, 41o and 412. In Fig, 1o the shaft 252 and binding orI the like.

its associated cams are shown in' three different voperative positions which they assume in the beginning of the feeding movement of the head,

after its rapidapproach, and at 2521) in the position assumed at the end of the feeding operation, at which time the head begins its rapid reverse` movement. The control dog 412 engages the upper control cam 494 through the agency of 'a positive abutment member 4I4, and a resilient abutment member 4I6. 'I he abutment member 416 is adjustable by means of a suitable nut 4I8 and spring 420 and serves to actuate the control cam 404 through a greater distance than that imparted by the abutment member 414. 4This arrangement insures the complete shifting of the valve 212 to neutral as the head frame is restored to home position. By means of the various control dogs 408,4I0, 4|4 and 416, the valve control shaft 252 is shifted to its various operating positions during the cycle of movement of the head frame, as will be later del scribed.

To enable the remote control of the heads 40a, ,40h and 40e, as shown in Fig. 14, I prefer to employ a two-direction magnetic actuator 422, Figs. 9 and 11, one foreach head, which consists of a power transmitting member 4.24 having a positive stop 425 at one extremity and a positive stop 428 at the oppositeextremity whereby to decrease current requirements and to eliminate the possibility of hammering action which might otherwise be experienced, Actuator 422 is operatively connected by a' crank 43B to valve shaft 252 as shown in Fig. 12. A manual control handle 436 is also connected to the assembly. A magnetic coil 430 shifts the power transmitting member 424 in one direction to shift valve 2|2 for effecting the forward travel of the head frame,y and a similar coil 432 shifts the member 424 in the `opposite direction to shift valve 2I2 to effect reverse movement of the head frame. A suitable bracket 434 serves as'a support for the magnetic actuator 422.. This-arrangement enables free movement of the power transmitting member 424 and positively precludes any I have found that if the power transmitting member 424 is positively connected to another member, such as the manual control handle 436, a binding of the member able in the magnetic actuator. From the foregoing it will be apparent that the use of the power transmitting member 424 in combination with the magnetic coils 430 and 432 provides a very eiiicient means for shifting the valve piston I have thus far described the hydraulic control and have Amade reference to certain of the electrical control devices associated therewith. I shall nowdescribe in more detail the electrical circuit arrangement which cooperates with the hydraulic circuit arrangement and control valves in controlling the timed functioning of the slidable heads.

Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, it will be observed thatI provide a main control panel, designated generally by the numeral 440, which may be secured in a position most convenient to the op'.

rality of self-contained actuator units', the control panel is conveniently mounted on the base 42 directly beneath the left head 40a. This sin; gle control panel controls al1 three heads. I have shown electric power lines L|, L-2 and L-3 connected through suitable magnetic controllers 442 to the prime movers of each head; onlyone magnetic controller being shown and said prime movers being indicated diagrammatically and designated as numbers I, 2 and 3. ,A number of push buttons 444, 446 and 448 are employed, each of said buttons being companion to one of the prime movers. For purposes of clearness the buttons 444 in Fig. 15 are designated by No. 1, the buttons 446 by No. 2, and the buttons 448 by No. 3, to indicate the prime movers or motors which these buttons control. The ar- 424 is likely to occur. Therefore I have provided :a loose or free connection between the power action materially decreases-the power which is required to shift the member 424. In fact, I have found that by mounting the member 424 as described it requires onlygthree to four pounds pressure to shift the valve piston 2| 2 through the slotted crank member 438, the shaft 252, and

the associated connecting elements. Cinl ther other hand, if the magnetic actuator is rendered ineffective and a force exerted against the crank arm 438, a considerable increase in starting power is requiredto shift the valve piston 2I2. I have found that the friction which resists the initial actuation of the valve requires up to two and one-half times theamount of power availrangement is such that the upper button in each instance initiates operation of its associated motor, and the lower button stops the operation thereof. This action is effected by closing and opening the corresponding magnetic controllers 442 by suitable button operated magnets, and inasmuch as .such controls are conventional, the specific electrical control circuit for these operations has not been illustrated.

It will be seen that two heavy-duty push buttons 45| and 463 marked Start and "Reverse are incorporated for the purpose of hydraulically shifting the individual machine tool units or any number of units as a group, the shifting of each unit being dependent on whether the vprime mover for such unit is in operation. More specically if the push button 444 is manipulated to close the magnetic controller 442 and thereby energize No. 1, the "Start and "Reverse push buttons will then remotely control the machine tool unit or head 40a. Likewise by manipulating either the buttons 446 or 448 the heads 40h 'and 40e, respectively, may be remotely controlled through the agency of the Start" and -Reverse buttons. .If all of the groups of butto so construct the control arrangement that the operator may, if some unforeseen emergency arises, merely reverse all of 'the heads together and thereby preserve the cutting tools. -It is for this purpose that the Reverse button is provided, as will later be described.

In Fig. 1s r have diagrammaticaiiy iuustratea the preferred wiring arrangement to be used for the remote control just referred to. It will be seen that the main'power lines L-I, L-2 and L-3 are selectively connected to the various motors No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 through the magnetic controllers 442 adapted to be operated by the push buttons 444, 446 and 448 as previously described. These-controllers, and their usual associated holding circuits, are of commercial design and well known to those skilled in the art and hence need no further description.

I'he control circuit illustrated in Fig. 18 for controlling the hydraulic shifting of the several head frame structures will now be described. As previously stated, the magnetic coil 430 of each magnetic actuator 422 is adapted to actuate its associated valve piston 2I2 to rapid approach position whereas the companion coil 432 of the magnetic actuatoris adapted to operate the valve to rapid reverse position. As also previously It should also be clearly understood that each unit is capable of a certain length of approach, which may vary as compared with one of. the other units. Therefore, the individual deenergizing of each companion magnetic actuator presents a practical and safe arrangement, and to maintain the relay energized until all of the units have stated,'the remote control of all the valves is` adapted to be eiected from the single control Start and Reverse buttons 45| and 463. To

this end the button 45| when operated energizes a coil 452, Fig. 18, the button operating to close the circuit through the coil from the line L-3 to the line L-I by means of a main switch 456 which must rst be closed to condition the electrical control circuits, Coil 452 when energized closes a set of contacts 454 which, when closed,

' establish a holding circuit for coil 452 from line holding circuit. The operation of coil 452 also closes switch contacts 451, one for each head structure, and these contacts individually energize their associated coils 430 by closing the circuit from the line L-3 through the magnetic contactors 442 through the contacts 451, the conbeen properly' actuated insures that all of the units will lbe properly started in their forward approach.

As the contacts 458 and 460 are opened, contacts 462 are simultaneously closed, so that when contacts 286 are also closed by valves 2l4 at the end of the feeding operation, a circuit will be established from the line L-3 through the contactors 442, switches 286, contacts 462, coils 432 and the contactors 442 back to the line L-I The energization of coils 432 causes the shifting of valves 2l2 to rapid reverse position as previously discussed. The reverse actuator coils 432 may .also be operated at any time after the closing of switches 462 by the Reverse control button 463. This control button is adapted to close a circuit through a coil 464 from the line L-3' through the coil 464, switch 463 and main switch 456 back to the line L-L The energization of coil 464 closes contacts 466 which, if switches 462 are closed, complete a circuit from the line L-3 through contactors 442, switches ,466, contacts 462, coils 432 and contactors 442 back to the line L-l. As the head structures are individually restored to home position, control dogs 396 operate controllers 398 to open switches 462 and close switches 458 and 46!!- slightly before the control dogsv4l2 shift the valve pistons 2l2 to a'neutral position., It should further be understood that the contacts 462 may be broken manually by manipulating the levers carrying the rollers 402.

From the aforesaid description, it will be ap- 40 parent that manual control buttons indicated as tacts 458 which are now closed, the coils 430, and Y be seen that the coll 436 for each head structure for shifting valve 2l2 to rapid approach position is energized only if the magnetic controller 442 for such head is closed.

As each head structure moves from home position, dog 396 is disengaged from roller 402 and` operates its associated li-mitswitch 388 whereby to open switches 468 and 460 and close switch 462 (see Figs. 16 and 18). The opening of these switches breaks the holding circuit for the coil 452 and also deenergizes the forward actuating coils 430. The deenergization of coil 452 opens the contacts 451 and 454.

The contact 460 which is companion to each unit is allowed to be broken in direct response to the movement of the unit and, therefore, when the units as a group have been started in their forwarddirection and all contactors 460 have been opened, the holding contact 454 causes the coil 452 to be deenergized. The' above arrangement is necessary because of the fact that the valve is actuated from its forward position to feed by a mechanical control dog arrangement, and, if the magnetic actuator is not deenergized prior to such actuation, the valve will again move into a forward approach position.

sol

Starti and Reverse are employed for the purpose of remote control of vall of the units and valves provided all of the magnetic controllers 442 are properly in an engaged position. The magnetic actuator 432 is not only used with the reverse button 463 control arrangement, but also is used in conjunction with the individual reversal of each unit in combination with contactor 286. It will further be apparent that the operator is compelled to manipulate either the push button marked Start, or the push button marked Reverse in case any trouble should be experienced,

such as improper loading of a work piece or breaking of a cutter or the like. Therefore, if all units are in a forward approach when an emergency arises, the only action had is by manipulating the.

push button Reverse" and thereby causing all of the valves to-reverse and all of the units to be automatically reversed to their starting positions.

' The aforesaid control arrangement also allows the remote control to individual units. In other words, I select one o f the magnetic controllers 442 through the agency of the proper push button (namely, buttons 444, 446, and 448), and then I use the push buttons .Start and Reverse" for manipulating a, valve and unit companion to said controller.

' Statement of operation ated, energizing the motors or prime movers for the individual head frame structures 40a, l401) and 40e. If all the frames are to be operated, all three of the push buttons' will be closed. The operation of the push buttons closes the indi'- vidual magnetic contactors' 442, initiating operation of the motors and closing theircorresponding conventional motor-holding circuits (not shown). As the motors .begin operation, the rapid eratedv by means of the control levers 436 se-y cured to shafts 252, if desired, but assuming that automatic operation is to be effected, the op'- erator closes the Start switch 45|. Closing the Start switch energizes coil 452 closing contacts 454 and 451. If any of the motors I, 2 or 3 have been energized, their associated contactors 442 and auxiliary switches 450 will be closed, thereby permitting a holding circuit for the coil 452 to be established through the contacts 45,4. The closing of the contacts 451 causes the energization of the forward actuator coil 430 for each unit which has been energized. The coils 430 shift the valves 2l2 to their rapid approach position wherein the ports 234 are alined with the ports 230 causing the transmission of fluid to the actuators II4 in a rapid approach direction. As the valves 2I2 are shifted to rapid approach position, the corresponding valves 2I4 are shifted to feed position by means 'of the channels 210 as previously described. Accordingly, fluid is also directed from the feed pumps to the actuators I I4 to effect the rapid approach movement thereof. As the head structures moveaway from home position, controllers 388 are operated by control clogs 386 to open switches 458 and 460 and close switches 462 for each unit. This deenergizes the coils 430 and also breaks the holding circuit for the coil 452. As the heads reach their feed position, their associated control dogs 408 cause the mechanical shifting of -valves 2I2 into feed position wherein the ports 234 are alined with the ports 218. Fluid from the rapid traverse pumps is thus cut off from the actuators II4, but the valves 2I4 remain in feeding position causing the transmission of fluid from the feed pumps to the actuators and propelling them in the continued forward direction at feeding speed. At the end of the feeding stroke the control dogs 4I0 operate` to shift the valves 2I2 to neutral position. This causes a shifting of the valves 2I4 to neutral'position by means of the fluid channels 212 and 210 as previously described, but due to the orifice control mechanism 3 I8, Fig. 5, a dwell or delay may be effected in the shifting of the ,valve members 2 I 4. As the valves 2 I4 complete their movements into neutral position, to the right as seen in Fig. 6, switches 286 are operated in the manner` previously described. Switches 462 having been previously closed, the closing of switches 286 completes 'a circuit to the reverse actuating coils 432 causing the shifting of the control valves 2I2 to rapid reverse position wherein the ports 236 are alined with the' ports 226. Fluid is now circulated from the rapid traverse pumps to the actuators II4 to eiect rapid reverse movement. The movement of valves 2I2 to rapid reverse position does not cause movement of the valves 2I4 so they yremain in neutral or circulating position. As the head frames return to home or restored position, control dogs 396 cause the opening of switches 462 and the closing of` switches 458 and 460. .The opening of switches 462 deenergizes the reverse coils 432, but the closing of 'switches 458 and 460 does not reenergize the forward operating coils 430, due to the fact that Vswitches 451 and 454 have been preyiously opened and cannot be`reclosed except by another operation of the main Start button 45|.

, Immediately after the opening of switches 462 as the head frames reach home position, control dogs 4I2 operateto shift the valves 2I2 to'neutral position. The valves 2I4 remain in neutral position, and accordingly fluid from both the rapid traverse and feed pumps is again circulated idly within the hydraulic system, and the cycle of operation has been completed. At any time after the head frames have left home position, resulting in the openings of switches 458 and 450, and in the closing of switches 462, the reverse coils 432 may be operated from the Reverse button 463 through the switches 466 w ich are closed by the coil 46'4v each head structure is provided with its own control valve 208 and its own control bar. 394 and associated control cams and switch structure so that the cycling of the head is controlled in'accordance with its own movements after the initiation of the operation by the pressing of the common Start button 45 I.

VaZve incorporating reversible feedl In certain instances it is desirable to provide la feed rate in reverse as well as in forward direction. This is accomplished by slightly altering` the valve structure 208 previously described, but this altering does not change the structural characteristics, the size of the valve or the control thereof. I have shown this slightly modified valve in Figs. 19 to 21, inclusive, and have designated the valve generally by the numeral 208a. Structures of the valve 208a corresponding with those of the valve 208 are given corresponding numbers. The valve body 254a is made from the same casting as the valve body or housing 254 previously described, it being necessary only to slightly modify the body by machining operations. 'I'he valve piston 2I2a is similar in structure and function with the valve piston 2 I2 previously described, but to effect feed reverse operations the valve piston 2'I4a has -been somewhat altered, passageway 216 associated with `the passage 210a has been eliminated, the connections to the' feed pump have been altered and a stop device 529 has been added for a purpose presently to be described. The dwell orifice device 3 I 8 alsols eliminated.

More particularly, in this .instance the valve 2| 4a lis directly connected to the feed pump by means of a conduit 522, the return to the feed pump from the valve being throughreturn conduit 390 as previously described. The -conduit 522 communicates with a cross channel 524 proend of the hydraulic actuator, when valve 2| 4a is in the position shown in Figs. 19 and 21, whereas cross channel 524 is adapted to communicate with port 252a connected to the other end of the hydraulic actuator, when valve 2I4a is shifted to the left. The central portion 521 of valve -2l4a, is adapted to connect either port 266:1 or

Yment being such that when the ball is thrust to the right, as seen in Fig. 2l, by the cam, the stop pin 529 will be raised. A spring 534 adjustably held in position by means of a threaded member 536 serves normally to hold the stop pin downwardly in stopping position. It will be noted from Figs. 19 and 21, that the electrical contactor piston 294 associated with switch 286 has vbeen machined as indicated at 542 so as to enter a counter-bore 544 in valve 2 I4a.

In the operation of the feed reverse valve structure, and assuming the valve pistons 2|2a and 2l4a to be in their neutral positions, the valve piston 2l2a is first shifted either manually or by manipulation of the Start switch 45| t0 its rapid approach position alining port 234a with the port 23M, causing the transmission of fluid to the hydraulic actuator in rapid approach direction as previously described. As the Avalve 2l2a is shifted, iluid is transmitted through pas-- sages 2'I8a and 2'l0a shifting the valve member 2| 4a to its extreme left position which is its feed approach position wherein cross channel 524 is alined with port 262a and port 266a is connected to the return conduit 390. Accordingly fluid is also directed from the feed pump to the hydraulic actuator by means of the valve 2I4a. As the munication between the feed pump and the ac-4 tuator is maintained and the actuator progresses at feeding speed..

At the -end of the forward feed operation a control dog shifts valve 2l2a to its feed reverse position wherein the port 236a of the valve isalined with channel 282a causing the hydraulic shifting of valve piston 2l 4a to the right, into the position shown in Figs. 19 and 21, wherein the valve piston engages the stop pin 529 which is at this timey in operativeposition. This position of valve 2I4a is its feed reverse position, wherein the cross channel 528 is connected to port 266:1, the port 262a being connected to the return conduit 390. Accordingly in this position of the valves fluid is transmitted from the feed pump to the hydraulic actuator to effect a feed reverse movement, communication between the actuator and the rapid traverse pump being cut olf.

At a predetermined position in the movement of the head structure a control dog further operates valve 2i2a to its neutral position wherein asesme,4

the stop pin 529 is raised by the correlated movement of shaft 252. In the neutral position of valve 2I2a channel 282a remains in pressure communication with port 238s, thus causing valve 2|4a to complete its movement to the extreme right, to its neutral position. As valve 2l4a reaches its neutral position, switch 286 is operated, and the operation of this switch causes the operation of the reverse actuating coil to shift the valve 2i2a to its rapid reverse position, as previously described, wherein the port 235s is alined with the port 226a, while leaving channel 282a in `communication with port 23Go so as to maintain the valve 2|4a in its neutral position. In the neutral position of valve 2|4a the valve is shifted sufficiently tothe right so as to bypass inlet conduit 522 directly to the exhaust port 390 by means of valve passage 521. Accordingly the feed pump is' operatively disconnected from the hydraulic actuator, but the rapid traverse pump is now connected with the hydraulic actuator soas to effect the rapid reverse movement thereof. As the head frame reaches home position, a dog shifts valve 2l2a to neutral position cutting oif communication between ports 235ml and 22Go, thus cutting ofi' communication between the rapid traverse pump and the hydraulic actuator, but leaving port 236a in communication with channel 28211 to maintain the valve 2Mb in its neutral position. Both the rapid traverse and the feed pumps are now cut olf from communication with the actuator and the cycle of operation is complete.

Attention is also directed 'to the disclosure of a modified electrical actuator designated generally by the numeral 422a in Fig. 13. 'This acuator is a modification of the actuator 422 shown in Fig. 1l, and is adapted to be connected directly with one extremity of the valve member 2I2, as distinguished from the inter-connection made with said valve by the magnetic actuator 422.

Obviously numerous modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

'Ihe invention is hereby claimed as follows:

v1. Valve mechanism including a valve housing, a shiftable valve member 'in said housing, said housing and valve member having cooperative passages foi-'directing fluid to an actuator to be controlled fthereby, a second valve member adapted to be shifted by fluid directed thereto by said first valve member, said second valve member having passages for directing iluid to an actuator to be controlled. means for supporting an electrical contactor in position to be acted upon by said second valve member, and means operated by the electricalcontactor in predetermined timed relation with the shifting of said second valve member.

2. Valve mechanism including a valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, a second valve member in said housing adapted to be shifted by fluid directed thereto by said rst valve member, said second valve member having passages for directing iiuid to a fluid operated actuator structure, means in said housing for supporting an electrical contactor in position toV be acted upon by said second valve member, and means operated by the electrical contactor for operating the rst valve member, said valve members and housing having cooperative uid conducting adjustable valve controlled passages whereby to cause a movement of said second valve member at various speeds.

3. Valve mechanism including a valve housing,

a, shiftable valve member in said housing, said housing and valve member having cooperative passages for directing fluid to an actuator to be controlled thereby, a shiftable piston member, means including a fluid pa'ssage controlled by the valve member having an adjustable meteringoriflce therein for controlling the shifting of the piston member, means 'for supporting an electrical contactor in a position to be acted upon by said piston member, and means operated by the electrical contactor in predetermined timed relation with the shifting of said piston member.

4. Valve mechanism including a valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, said housing and valve member having cooperative valve member channels in a predetermined shifted position of the valve member, said valve member having means for effecting the selective control of a fluid operated actuator, and a restricted orifice means arranged in the other f said valve'member channels, and means for adjusting said orifice means whereby to provide for a predetermined pressure drop of fluid passing through the orifice.

9. In a fluid control mechanism, a housing,

a cylindrical valve member shiftable in said houspassages for directing fluid to an actuator tobe 4.

controlled thereby, a second valve member having fluid actuated means adapted to be shifted by fluid controlled by said first valve member, said second Valve member having passages for directing fluid to an actuator to be controlled, and

'means operated by the shifting of the second valve member for operating the first valve member.

5. Valve mechanism including a valve housing, l

a shiftable valve member in said housing, said housing and valve member having' cooperative passages for directing fluid to an actuator to be controlled thereby, a piston member shiftable in the housing, fluid conduits in the housing between the valve and opposite ends of the piston member whereby the piston member is adapted to be shifted selectively in opposite directions by fluid directed selectively to opposite ends of the piston from the valve member, restricted orifice means arranged in the fluid conduits to control the speed of operation of the piston member in at least one direction, and means operated by the shifting of the piston member for operating the valve member.

6. In a powerV control unit, a structure for controlling the transmission of power from, a power source to a power operated mechanism, said structure comprising a rst shiftable power transmission control member for effecting the operation and` control of an operated device, a second shiftable power transmission control member for effecting the independent operation of said operated device, means for effecting the shifting of the second control member by the first control member, means for effecting the shifting of the rst control member bythe second control member, and means for adjustably controlling the time of response of said second control member to operation of the first control member.

7. Valve 'mechanism including a valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, said valve member having means for effecting the selective control of a fluid operated actuator, said valve member being shiftable from an operative actuator controlling position to an inoperative position wherein uidis circulated through al conduit in the body of the valve'member, a restricted orifice arranged in said conduit, and means for adjusting said orifice whereby to provide for a predetermined pressure drop of fluid passing through the orifice.

8. lV'alve mechanism including a valve housing,` 'a. shiftable valve meinber in said housing, a fluid receiving port in the housing, a pair of fluid channels in the valve member adapted to be brought selectively into operative association with said fluid receiving port by the shifting of the valve member, a fluid discharge port in the housing adapted-to receive fluid from one of' the ing, a fluid receiving port in the housing, a chaninto cooperation with the housing port by the shifting of the valve to receive fluid therefrom, said channel extending radially inwardly from the cylindrical surface of the valve and then in opposite directions to the valve end faces, and fluid flow restriction means arranged in said valve member channel adapted by the flow of fluid therethrough to maintain a control fluid pressure within said fl'uid receiving port.

10. In a fluid control mechanism, a housing, a valve member shiftable in said housing, a fluid receiving port in the housing, a channel in the valve member through which fluid is continuously circulated when the channel is brought into cooperation with the housing port by the shifting of the valve to receive fluid therefrom, fluid flow restriction means arranged in said valve member channel adapted by the flow of fluid therethrough to maintain a control fluid pressure within said fluid receiving port, and means including a second shiftable valve operatively associated with said port and adapted to be shifted by the pressure fluid therein.

11. Valve mechanism including a valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, said valve member having passages for selectively directing fluid to a fluid operated actuator structure, passages in the housing through which fluid may be propelled to effect the hydraulic shifting of the valve member, orifice means in the passages for controlling the speed of operation of the valve member, electrical means operable in response to the shifting of the valve member, and means controlled bythe electrical means for shifting said valve member.

12. Valve mechanism including a valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, passages for fluid in the housing through which fluid may be propelled to effect the hydraulic shifting of the valve member, restricted orifice means in said passages to control the speed of operation of the valve member, means for rendering the orif'lce means effective during an initial movement of the valve member and ineffective during a subsequent movement thereof, an electrical contactor operated by the subsequent movement of the valve member, and means controlled by the electrical contactor for shifting the valve member.

13. In a hydraulic and electrical power control structure, a hydraulic power control device, said device comprising means arranged to control a fluid power circuit having a fluid operated actuator, means arranged to control an electrical power circuit, and means operatively connecting the electrical control means and the fluid power control means for effecting the actuation of the electrical control means by operation of said fluid power control means, said connecting means including an adjustable restricted orifice and an unrestricted orice arranged in by-pass relation t0 the restricted orifice for controlling the time of operation of the electrical control means in response to the operation of the fiuid control means, and means controlled by the electrical control means for controlling the operation of the fluid power control means.

14. Valve mechanism including a, valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, said housing and valve member having cooperative passages for directing fluid to a fluid actuator to be controlled thereby, a second valve member having iiuid actuated means adapted to be shifted by fiuid controlled by said first valve member, said second valve member having passages for directing fluid to a. fluid actuator to be controlled, and electrical means operated by the shifting of the second valve member for operating one of said valve members.

15. Valve mechanism including a. valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, said housing and valve member having cooperative passages for circulating fluid when the valve member is in one position and for directing fluid to a uid actuator to be controlled thereby when the valve member is in another position, a shiftable second valve member arranged to circulate fluid when in one position and to transmit uid to a uid actuator when in another position, and adapted to be shifted by saidv first valve member by nuid directed thereto, means including a restricted fiuid control orifice for controlling the speed of shifting of said second valve member, an electric switch operated by the shifting of the second valve member, a solenoid controlled by the switch, and means operated by the solenoid for operating said rst valve member.

16. Valve mechanism including a. valve housing, a shiftable valve member in said housing, said valve and housing having cooperative passages for controlling the transmission of fluid to a fiuid actuator,v a shiftable piston member in said housing, fluid conduits connecting said valve member and opposite ends of the piston member whereby the piston member is adapted to be shifted selectively in opposite directions by fluid directed thereto by said valve member, a control orifice for controlling the speed of movement of the piston member in at least one direction, 9, relatively unrestricted fiuid passage in bypass relation to said orifice for rendering it inelective, an electrical contactor adapted to be operated by the piston member, and means pperated by the electrical contactor for operating the valve member.

17. Valve mechanism including a valve housing. a longitudinally shiftable valve member in said housing having a plurality of operative positions for effecting the selective operation 'of a fiuid operated device, a second valve member longitudinally shiftable in said housing adapted to be moved to a plurality of. operative positions for effecting the selective operation of a, iiuid operated device, passages within the housing connect-l ing the valve members whereby movement of the first valve member to a given position effects the hydraulic shifting of the second valve member to a predetermined position, an electric switch operated by the second valve member. and a sclenoid. for operating the first valve member operated by said switch.

18. Control mechanism comprising a first shiftable valve member adapted to be associated with 9, fiuid power circuit, a second shiftable valve member adapted to be associated with a fluid power circuit, said first valve member having a circulating position and a plurality of operative positions wherein it reversibly directs the flow of fluid within its associated fluid power circuit and wherein it reversibly controls the shifting of the second valve member, said second valve member having a circulating position and an operating position wherein it directs the ow of fluid within its associated fluid power circuit, and means associated with the secondvalve member for effecting-a shifting of the first valve member by the shifting of said second valve member.v

19. Control mechanism comprising a first shiftable valve member adapted to be associated with a fluid power circuit, a second shiftable valve member adapted to be associated with a fluid power circuit, said first valve member having a circulating position and a plurality of operativev positions wherein it reversibly directs the flow of fiuid within its associated uid power circuit and wherein it reversibly controls the shifting of the second valve member, and said second valve member having a circulating position and a plurality of operative positions wherein it reversibly directs the flow of fluid within its associated 20. Control mechanism comprising a first shiftable valve member adapted to be associated with a fluid power circuit, a second shiftable valve member adapted to be associated with a fluid power circuit, said rst valve member having a. circulating position and a plurality of operative positions wherein it reversibly directs the flow of fiuid within its associated uid power circuit and wherein it reversibly controls the shifting of the second valve member, and said second valve member having a circulating position and a, plurality of operative` positions wherein it reversibly directs the flow of fluid within its associated fluid power circuit, and means associated with the second valve member for eiecting the shifting of the first valve lmember by the shifting o'f said second valve member.

21. Control mechanism comprising a first valve member, a second valve member, hydraulic operating means for the second valve member controlled by the first valve member, a stop member for preventing a predetermined operation of the second valve member by the hydraulic means when said stop member is in operative position, said stop member being associated with the rst valve member and operable thereby, and an electric switch arranged to be operated by the second valve member upon operation thereof on release of the stop member.

ERNEST J. SVENSON. 

